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TO PORTS BEYOND 



BY 

EMMA ELLIS CONWAY 



RIDGEWOOD, N. J. 

THE EDITOR COMPANY 

1910 






Copyright, 19 io 

BY 

EMMA ELLIS CONWAY 



©GIA3617 



on 






TO 

i most affectionately 

this little volume 

Emma Ellis Conway. 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/toportsbeyondOOconw 



TO PORTS BEYOND 



PART I 



*A flower grew in a lonely place, 
A knight came riding by apace, 
Said he, ^This flower my plume shall grace! ' " 

'Twas evening in Summer. Adown a green 

lane, 
Where brown thrushes carolled a merry 

refrain, 
A horseman was leisurely wending his way, 
And whirling a bar he had heard at the play. 
Twas a blithe little snatch of a bright catchy 

tune. 
It had run through his mind for the whole 

afternoon. 
And now he would whistle it, then he would 

sing: 



6 TO PORTS BEYOND 

''My love's like a flower that blooms in the 

Spring/' 
Around him, above him, the world seemed in 

tune 
With all things suggestive of beauteous June. 
The men in the meadows were tossing the 

hay; 
Shy 'mid the grass the anemones lay. 
A light summer breeze brought the sweet 

scent of clover. 
Beneath were wild blossoms, the smiling 

skies over. 
At length he drew rein at the foot of the hill, 
While his horse slaked his thirst at a soft- 
flowing rill 
That splashed through the meadow, and 

slipped by the lane, 
Then wound by the woodland and crept on 

again. 
The pony, of water, had taken his fill. 
And wandered on, cropping the cowslips at 

will. 
The cowslips that bordered the brooklet like 

fringe. 
And lent to the waters a soft yellow tinge. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 7 

His rider approved with a sanctioning air, 
And plucked a wild rose from a bush that 

grew near. 
While pensively puflfing the blue rings of 

smoke 
That rose in the air and then gracefully 

broke 
Into eddying wreaths, that soon circled away, 
He languidly fell into this revery: 
''Dame Nature is beaming! I wonder if she. 
As well as Miss Durant, was looking for me? 
I wrote rd be down on the evening express — 
But that wreck was on hand — 'Twas ill luck, 

I confess. 
So, to foreclose that wager I made with Phil 

Dane, 
That rd see her this eve, be it sunshine or 

rain, 
I hired this beast, and I galloped on over. 
'Tis twenty long miles, if it's one, back to 

Dover! 
But heigh-ho! That's not far, when the 

object in view 
Is the girl whom one thinks of, and dreams 

of — then, too. 



8 TO PORTS BEYOND 

There's Dane and his wager. Hang me, but 

IVe won! 
This makes me possessor of Phil's handsome 

gun. 
I've won against Kght odds, — they might 

have been fewer. 
What a laugh I will have at his discomfiture! 
I've shown that old boy what he's failed to 

discover: 
That I am not always 'the recreant lover!' 
Miss Durant is not like the girls that I know — 
Gay fire-flies! resembling tenpins in a row! 
She's charming and bright as the evening 

star; 
Her style! She surpasses all others by far! 
As for beauty " His face wore a smile of 

conviction, 
Excluding all chance of adverse contradiction. 
Thus musing and smoking, the moments 

slip by. 
Soft clouds in the west gild the evening sky 
As our rider and steed, with a grace debonair. 
Gallop on and just over the hill disappear. 



II 

" Oh lad and lass, and orchard pass 
And briared lane and daisied grass, 
Oh gleam and gloom, and woodland bloom, 
And breezy breaths of all perfume!'' 

Riley 

Just over the hill lay the sweet country home 
Of Eileen Durant. 'Twas a pleasure to 

roam 
The paths through the woodland, or search 

the cool dells 
O'er run with wild fern and the dainty blue 

bells. 
Not far in the background, and flowing for- 
ever, 
One catches a glimpse of a picturesque river. 
And under the brow of a vine-covered cliff, 
Now rising, now falling, a light little skiff 
Is topping the waves as it lies at its mooring — 
Seems beckoning to haunts and to trystings 

alluring. 
And winding around at the foot of the hill, 



10 TO PORTS BEYOND 

The path leads you down by an old water- 
mill. 
Now here, one is tempted to dreamily loiter, 
But is tempted again to a full reconnoitre 
Of the deep sylvan haunts and of leafy 

retreats, 
Up the walk to the orchard, where old rustic 

seats 
Most inviiingly say: ''Will you enter?'' 

Eileen — 
So winsome a maid you will seek long in 

vain — 
Spent many bright hours 'mong the blossoms 

and trees; 
She loved the south wind and the birds, and 

'twas these 
That tempted her thither this fair summer's 

eve 
To dream in the arbor, and wait to receive 
A friend she had met while at school in the 

city. 
She had forthwith enlisted his heart. What 

a pity! 
When so many city-bred girls had been 

trying. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 11 

And each with the other her best efforts 
vieing, 

To gain but a smile from young Clayton 
McVey, 

A modern Beau Brummel and toast of the 
day. 

So dreaming, Eileen 'neath the blossoming 
bowers, 

Reclined in the arbor, her lap filled with 
flowers. 

Not long had she been there, when o'er the 
rock wall 

Encircling the orchard, there sprang a young, 
tall, 

Handsome youth. 

' ' Delighted, fair lady, to meet 

The person for whom I was looking. Com- 
plete 

Therefore is my pleasure. Tve brought a 
new book. 

Tm sure my decision you will not re- 
voke. 

When I say 'tis as fine as I ever perused." 

And forth from his pocket the book he pro- 
duced. 



12 TO PORTS BEYOND 

/ 

The sun toward the west had dropped low 

and still lower, 
And still Eileen lingered, caressing a flower. 
While still at her feet, in the role of a lover. 
Lay the Saxon-haired youth, sipping sweet 

heads of clover. 
Near by on the grass lay a pocket edition 
Of a new poem story, an old-time tradi- 
tion 
Brought out by the author, and daintily 

woven 
Into classical meter. The theme was well 

chosen. 
The plot was pathetic and quaintly devised. 
Had you read it yourself, you would be much 

surprised. 
That the book, once begun, could be lightly 

laid down; 
Yet neglected and open, it lay on the ground. 
''So you look for McVey?" the young fellow 

was saying, 
''And he's coming to-day! Well, I'll shortly 

be paying. 
My hasty adieux, — or would you face the 

foe? 



TO PORTS BEYOND 13 

Which shall it be, Eileen, you'll tell me, I 

know! 
When a fellow discovers a rival at hand. 
And having no weapon his foe to withstand, 
A retreat is in order. Pray tell me, machere^ 
Will retreat be your verdict, or dare I stay 

here?'' 
He paused for her answer; it came low and 

sweet, 
''I think you may stay, Paul, Fm sure you 

must meet 
My new friend. I expected him early — 

'tis late — 
Something must have occurred." 

A sharp click at the gate 
Which led to the highway that ran by the 

farm. 
Caused the couple to turn. Paul Grey 

feigned alarm. 
With a faint little flush, the girl rose to her 

feet ; 
*'He has come; won't you stay?" But the 

youth chose retreat, 
Just lifting his cap as he passed through the 

bower. 



14 TO PORTS BEYOND 

And back on the breeze came a low ''Au 
revoir; 

I'll make my escape, my dear friend, 'tis 
befitting. 

I'll see you to-morrow — McVey but per- 
mitting." 

McVey had arrived, left his horse at the gate, 

Had discovered Eileen by a mere chance of 
fate; 

And looking his pleasure, and quickly ad- 
vancing. 

Clasped one of her hands in his own, his eyes 
dancing 

With the pleasure he felt, at this much- 
desired meeting. 

Now Eileen was cordial, but yet in her greet- 
ing 

There was lacking that fervor, meant only 
for him. 

That other maids gave him. It brought 
him a dim 

Foreboding of something so subtly sug- 
gestive, 

A feeling so new, he grew inwardly restive. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 15 

This girl was a problem. The thought that 

perchance he 
Imagined a much firmer hold on her fancy 
Than conditions might warrant, disturbed — 

nay, it vexed him, 
The cool, quiet grace of her manner per- 
plexed him; 
And yet, with an ardor he scarcely desired, 
'Twas this innate reserve of the girl he 

admired. 
But a score of fair maidens, in Vanity Fair, 
Had toasted and flattered this young cavalier 
Until life — for the most — had been much 

as he willed. 
And ease and soft manners, and coffers well 

filled. 
Had gained for McVey a strong social pre- 
ferment 
Had proven a passport wherever he went. 
So, if by a chance this applause be withheld, — 
'Tis scarcely desired if applause be com- 
pelled, — 
' Twas a new revelation . T m sure you' 11 surmise 
That it came to McVey in an unpleasant 
guise. 



16 TO PORTS BEYOND 



MCVEY: 



What, am I not welcome? my train was 

delayed 
By a wreck up near Dover. I felt quite 

dismayed 
Till I found that the trip could be easily 

finished 
By coming on horse-back; my fears soon 

diminished. 
Besides, IVe convinced you beyond argument, 
That e'en mighty obstacles can not prevent 
My keeping a promise, when given to you, — 
A pleasure I willingly would not forego. 

MISS DURANT: 

'Tis a trait most desirable, one I admire. 
And one, in a friend, that I chiefly desire — 
This keeping of promises. As for myself, 
A promise is not lightly laid on the shelf; 
Is not lightly given, but held in esteem. 
One really could not say too much on this 
theme. 

So, merrily talked they, unceasingly gay. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 17 

They had strolled to the house, and the 

bright tete-d-tete 
Bade fair to continue, when supper was 

served; 
After which the free discourse went on, 

unreserved. 
Unobserved by the young folks the hour 

had grown late. 
Were ever the aeons of time adequate, 
When young hearts were beating a lively 

tattoo. 
Not knowing nor caring, how fast the hours 

flew? 
A clock from the hall chimed the hour — 

'twas eleven; 
And Eileen exclaimed: ''To remorse I am 

driven! 
I'm but a poor hostess; how tired you must 

be! 
The moments seem winged, so quickly they 

flee!" 
'"Tis I," declared Clayton, ''your pardon 

entreat. 
When moments are happy the hours are 

most fleet. 



18 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Sometimes one's existence but seems a de- 
light; 

The time has passed thus to me, Eileen, 
to-night. 

You may dream of me then, as your very 
best friend/' 

And the glance he stole softly implied a 
command, 

Which gave to Eileen of his meaning the 
trend. 

As of one who desired to be more, in the 
end. 

Thus he sought with intentional, oft-prac- 
ticed skill. 

To obtain from Eileen but a hint, if you will. 

Of the state of her feelings. 

Endeavor was vain. 

Now take tact, that resistless, unrivalled, 
serene 

Woman's charming attraction, take this gift, 
I say. 

And you've taken her mightiest weapon 
away. 

For great is the man at whose enforced 
command 



TO PORTS BEYOND 19 

A thousand knees bend, or a thousand men 
stand; 

But greater by far, is the power to win 

A willing compliance, from motives within. 

Eileen waived the question, the subject 
ignored. 

She talked of impersonal themes, and de- 
plored 

The lateness again; then she ordered a light, 

And, smiling bewitchingly, bade him good- 
night. 



III. 

* ^ Charm is the measure of attraction's power, 
To chain the fleeting fancy of the hour, 
A quick responsiveness in word and deed, 
The will to follow, and the art to lead/' 

Well born, gently reared, with a high sense 

of honor 
Directing her life, and thus moulding its 

tenor, 
Eileen had a nature you'd never discern 
At a casual meeting. One had yet to learn 
Of depths all undreamed of, and qualities 

rare. 
That dawn on one tardily, quite unaware. 
'Tis truth fitly Spoken, ''Like parent, like 

child." 
Her mother, a woman of character mild. 
Possessed a warm heart and a genial spirit, 
That left its sweet impress on all who came 

near it. 
Her father, a host of deserved reputation. 
Commanded at once all his friends' admira- 
tion, 

20 



TO PORTS BEYOND 21 

As nature's own nobleman; one of the sort 
Whose purpose, more clearly defined was, 

in short, 
To live for his friends; but mere outward 

impression 
Was never allowed to overcome his discretion, 
In choosing those friends; 'twas an inward 

conviction, 
Of something more lasting than mere style 

or diction. 
A judgment, though born of a swift intuition. 
That rarely fell short of its mark; a condition 
That argued rebuke to unworthy designs. 
And unbarred the way to the friendship 

that binds. 

^Ig H^ W^ %^ ^§0 ^0 

Oh, day of all days, set to rhythmical tune! 
There is none to compare to a rare day in 

June! 
At dawn, 'mid 'green archways, the wanton 

winds play. 
The birds trill their matins and love lyrics 

gay. 

The roses unfold, and all nature is waking; 



22 TO ^ PORTS BEYOND 

Unspeakable charm o'er the landscape is 

breaking. 
Such a morn greeted Clayton. A beautiful 

scene 
He viewed from his window. The wide 

fields of green 
Stretching down to the river, extending 

beyond, 
Seemed an emerald sea. 

Who can fail to r espond 
To so gracious a welcome as nature assures? 
The melody, fragance, and zephyrs are yours. 
The sight is at once a divine inspiration; 
An artistic, poetic, bewildering creation 
Of all that is glorious, gladsome, and free; 
And the happy thought comes: ''This, all 

this, is for me!'' 
To Clayton the prospect was new and en- 
chanting. 
The picture was perfect, no color was wanting; 
And long ere the family within was astir. 
He arose and strolled forth with his usual 

cigar. 
He had take the path leading down by the 

river. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 23 

And was building those castles of whither- 
soever^ 
Those castles of airy fantastical lore, 
Untenanted — (ah, but we rear them galore) — 
By aught save the fancies we magic' ly weave 
Of future successes we hope to achieve. 
By nature not bad, the reverse had been 

true, 
Had training, with mother-love, fallen like 

dew 
On McVey's boyish pathway, and moulded 

his youth, 
And pointed him up to the lode-star of truth. 
One day the fond mother who gave to him 

birth 
Had kissed him and bidden farewell to this 

earth. 
His father, whom death had so sadly bereft, 
Engrossed in his business, his little son left 
To the care of an aunt, whose mistaken 

endeavor 
To supply the demands of this youngster so 

clever 
Had wrought in the boy an inflexible will; 
Had striven so long every wish to fulfil, 



24 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Until now, as he stood on the threshold of 
hfe, 

Unused to its turmoils, its struggles and 
strife, 

The future rose up as it ne'er rose before, 

And the more that he pondered the question 
the more 

He discerned that success to no standard 
complies. 

For she sets her own pace — 

Yet ambition defies 

Frustration, when tempered with firmness 
and daring. 

Combined with a will in subjection, — not 
sparing 

Her gifts to the hero, whose inmost convic- 
tion 

Has laid on his conduct a strict self-restric- 
tion. 

This last was a lesson McVey had not learned, 

A noteworthy precept he'd hitherto spurned. 

But alas, for McVey! And alas, for the man 

Who enters life's field with no definite plan. 

Save the quest after Pleasure, that versatile 
maid 



TO PORTS BEYOND 25 

Who lures to destruction and makes them 

afraid, 
Those mortals who fear the comment of the 

world, 
Have bowed at her shrine and her banner 

unfurled, 
Whose barks are adrift on the treacherous 

main, 
And having no compass, return not again. 

McVey had strolled on, he had wandered at 

will. 
Was pursuing the path round a fold of the 

hill. 
When suddenly, rapidly, rounding the curve 
A wheelman dashed by. 

By a deft little swerve 
He averted what might have been quite a 

disaster, 
And had proven himself, as a wheelman, 

a master. 
Surprised unawares, McVey sprang to one 

side. 



26 TO PORTS BEYOND 

MCVEY: 

The deuce take you, boy! Is it thus that you 

ride? 
A man would infer that you went without 

seeing. 
'Twas an unfair advantage! 

(Illogical being!) 
With a swift, easy movement the rider drew 

near. 
McVey viewed the youth with a critical stare. 

WHEELMAN: 

Now I beg, sir, your pardon. That con- 
founded turn 
Is a signal for danger. I never will learn 
The thing unexpected is surest to happen! 
I must put on the breaks when I come down 

that glen. 
Well, a miss is as good as a mile, so they say, 
I trust you're in no wise impaired. Do you 
stay 

MCVEY: 

I stop, for the present, at Edge wood; and 
you? 



TO PORTS BEYOND 27 



WHEELMAN: 



Ah-h, at Edge wood! Oh^ I am a native! 



MCVEY: 

Pray who, 
Of the neighboring swains is the most fav- 
ored guest? 
Do you claim an acquaintance? If so, I'm 

impressed 
You're in love with Miss Durant. 

The wheelman looked bored, 
The attack unexpected; his countenance 
lowered. 

WHEELMAN: 

You jump at conclusions — Miss Durant is 
my friend. 

MCVEY: 

You resent the allusion! Now I apprehend 
That, granted of course there is really a 

friendship. 
Why, you're no doubt in love! 



28 TO PORTS BEYOND 

WHEELMAN: 

Well, I don't care a flip 
What you think, or you don't think! Bless 
you for a churl! — 

And, remounting his wheel, with a bold 

rapid whirl 
The wheelman sped on, and was soon lost 

to view. 

MCVEY : 

Well, hang me, a tiff! Here's a pretty to do! 
That fellow was game. Now I really regret 
That I got out of humor; I'm sorry I met 
That confounded wheelman, a nice-looking 

chap. 
And a friend of Miss Durant's! Oh, well 

now, mayhap 
I'll never encounter the youth or his wheel; 
But somehow or other — I'm sorry. I feel 
That I spoke rather testily. 

Musing, McVey 
Retracing his footsteps continued his way. 

^ ^ 9fC ^ ^ «]« 



TO PORTS BEYOND 29 

Miss Durant had planned a surprise for her 

guest, 
In the shape of a small boating party; and 

so 
Twas a gay little coterie, met by request, 
At Edgewood next morning. A most apropos 
And delightful procedure, and one that por- 
tends 
A jubilant outing without further warning. 
When Nature's allurement so readily blends 
With hearts that beat free, on a charming 

June morning. 
Eileen flitted hither and thither, the while 
Introducing her friend; her bright face was 

glowing 
As she greeted each one with a radiant smile, 
Or offered suggestions that all might be going 
To start on the jaunt down the cool valley 

road. 
That wound round the hill in an odd in- 
decision, 
And ended at last where the old boat-house 

stood. 
McVey, as a matter of course, sought per- 
mission 



30 TO PORTS BEYOND 

To linger near Eileen. 

The truth was, McVey 

Could never appear at his best in a crowd; 

He rather preferred, if he had his own way, 

One girl at a time; then his eloquence flowed. 

The boat-house was reached, and with jest- 
ing and laughter. 

Gay couples paired off, and the boats were 
unloosed 

And sped from their moorings. 'Twas not 
until after 

Blithe Mildred Medill, in a tone much abused. 

Sought Eileen to ask why she left out Paul 
Grey, 

That she, with regret, was surprised to dis- 
cover 

That Paul was not there. 

MISS DURANT: 

I saw Paul yesterday. 
He said without fail, he would surely be over. 
Pm sorry, dear Millie, for your sake; Pm sure 
That something unlooked for prevented his 

coming. 
Cheer up, dear! I know it is hard to endure, 



TO PORTS BEYOND 31 

For Paul is a boy I consider most charming. 
But there is Rob Dunbar, or Warren Monroe — 
Rob's boat is the fleetest that skims o'er 

the water. 
Ah, Milhe, you've more than one string to 

your bow, 
And you manage somehow to keep all in a 

flutter! 
So, under the spell of the soft vagrant breezes, 
The boats drifted out. 

When the current runs free 
And joy all her pennons of freedom releases, 
Then young blood responds with a glad 

jubilee. 
So, when 'twas suggested, as might be ex- 
pected, 
''A race!" 'Twas decided that all should 

take part. 
And after some comment the boats, as 

directed. 
Lined up at the point in debate for the start. 
The Robin, so named for her breast like a 

cherry. 
As jaunty a craft as the waters e'er bore, 
Belonged to the Durants; she'd easily carry 



32 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Four people; to-day she had taken two more. 

McVey held the oars at the helm, while 
Eileen, 

Near by, was expressing her full approbation 

At any advantage the light craft might gain, 

Or ceased her gay laughter in sheer trepida- 
tion, 

When some young enthusiast, spurred by 
ambition. 

Bore down on the Robin with hazardous 
stroke. 

Allowing impatience to overcome discretion, 

And thereby reproof from the whole crowd 
invoke. 

Excitement ran high, and with no premoni- 
tion 

Of peril, the oarsmen rowed eagerly on. 

With only the thought of successful com- 
pletion. 

Of strenuous valor, and victory won. 

It came like a bolt from a clear, cloudless 
heaven. 

The tangle, the outcries, and later the clash 

That overturned The Robin, and left her all 
riven. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 33 

And spilled all the occupants out in a flash. 
One terrified moment of horror appalling, 
And Eileen was conscious of — what — was it 

night? 
"'Dear God/' she was praying, ''your hand, 

I am falling, 
Give ear, I implore Thee, and save in Thy 

might! '' 
Down, down! The abyss of dark waters 

closed o'er her. 
Relentless, resistless, deep currents swept by. 
Will God in His Infinite mercy restore her? 
Take courage, dear heart, for assistance is 

nigh! 
She rose; for a moment her eye swept the 

valley 
Where peacefully nestled a little gray town. 
What is this strange feeling? The waters, 

how chilly! 
Is this, then, the way people feel when they 

drown? 
''Take courage!'' The words like a fond 

benediction 
Came faintly, but clear, to her fast-failing 

ear, 



34 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Dispelling the thought of complete derelic- 
tion. 
Ah Life! at eighteen how we hold thee most 

dear! 
She first thought of Clayton, and then of 

the others, 
Her eyesight was dimming, she seemed to 

forget. 
Was that boat The Robin, or was it another's. 
Standing out 'gainst the sky like a dark 

silhouette? 
''Be fearless, my sweet! for no wave shall 

engulf thee. 
No power shall wrest you again from my 

heart. 
The future holds naught, that from you can 

constrain me. 
No joy could be joy if from you, dear, apart!" 
Eileen was scarce conscious of being up- 

hfted 
And held in strong arms, to a brave, manly 

breast. 
Hope thrilled in her soul, and in fancy she 

drifted 
To memory's fair shore, to her haven of rest. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 35 

To Clayton her fancies went longingly stray- 
ing; 

She thought 'twas his dear arm encircled 
her form^ 

From his lips the words all her terrors allaying, 

Spoke peace to her soul, and stilled all her 
alarm. 

''Speak, Eileen! but speak to the one who 
will ever 

Hold life but a waste, if it holdeth not thee. 

Ah! cruel the fate that for aye could dissever 

My fond heart from thine, with so harsh a 
decree!'' 

The words so impassioned, the fond intona- 
tion 

Stirred Eileen's whole being, and served to 
recall 

Her vague, shifting fancies to full restora- 
tion. 

She opened her eyes, saw the white face of — 
Paul. 

'Twas but for an instant; she then had been 
dreaming. 

And Paul's were the accents so strangely 
distressed. 



36 TO PORTS BEYOND 

'Twas Paul who so ardently still was pro- 
claiming 

A love she had hitherto only half guessed. 

A most gracious friendship had ever existed; 

His nature, responsive to all that was best, 

Appealed to her strongly, and now had been 
tested 

By actions and words by his own lips con- 
fessed. 

The knowledge, to Eileen, brought nothing 
but sorrow; 

As neighbor and friend she was loyally true. 

But Paul's fond avowal served only to har- 
row. 

As recent events swiftly passed in review. 

^Tm — better — dear Paul. Oh, how came 
you to reach me? 

There! wrap me up closer; your coat feels 
so warm! 

Oh heavens, the others! Oh, Paul, I beseech 
thee 

Do try to find Clayton and save him from 
harm! " 

Possessed of swift insight, with keen per- 
turbation. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 37 

Paul foresaw his answer. By no sign or 

word, 
Had Eileen referred to his frank declaration, 
Or evidenced aught save a kindly regard. 
'Twas no time for wooing; with resolute 

features, 
Paul steadily turned to the scene of the 

wreck 
Where ''all of the other unfortunate 

creatures/' 
As Dunbar expressed it, ''were once more 

on deck.'' 
"Hello, Paul, old fellow! Is that you or 

not you? 
You rise from the waters like old Banquo's 

ghost! 
Miss Durant may rise and explain where 

she got you. 
At roll call this morn they reported you 

lost." 
Rob's merry, exuberant spirit of frolic 
Lent wings to the gloom of the grave atmos- 
phere. 
"The girls," he declared, "had behaved 

most angelic; 



38 TO PORTS BEYOND 

The boys all Sir Galahads, found not else- 
where/' 

With outward composure, but inward emo- 
tion, 

Paul presently told of some sudden delay 

That brought him in time to survey the 
collision. 

DUNBAR: 

Which gave you, of course, a good chance to 

display 
Your valor and daring. 

PAUL: 

A most inopportune 
And adverse occasion. 

DUNBAR: 

But one that is fraught 
With great possibilities. That's quite a boon 
Which beneficent fate has bestowed all un- 
sought. 

Rob glanced at Eileen with significant mean- 
ing, 



TO PORTS BEYOND 39 

But Eileen was talking to Clayton McVey, 
Who seemed all unconscious of any designing, 
And devoted himself in a lover-like way 
To Eileen^ who now that kind fate was 

propitious, 
Was rapidly gaining her former good spirits 
And stoutly announced, though it sounded 

facetious, 
That ^^ The Robin, though bested, deserved all 

the merits/' 
The mishap was voted a grievous occurrence, 
But Youth in her ardor will brook no delay; 
All bars are surmounted with utmost as- 
surance. 
Youth strikes hands with Joy, in a glad 

roundelay. 
Then blow from the Southland, North, East, 

or the West — 
Ye winds, from the Mountains of Youthful 

Dehght, 
The breeze that is blowing, that breeze is 

the best. 
And wafts us along in its rapturous flight. 



IV. 

But yesterday I looked away, 
O'er happy lands where sunshine lay, 
In golden blots inlaid with spots, 
Of shade and wild forget-me-nots. 

Riley 

New plans were constructed, the party, un- 
daunted, 

To Edgewood ''repaired," as Rob said, ''for 
repairs''; 

And soon happy voices and music enchanted 

Rang out on the wings of the soft Summer 
airs. 

Ah, memories born of the days adolescent! 

Oh, wonderful moments, the gone yester- 
days! 

Youth's fond rosaries — filled with joys evanes- 
cent, 

Where echoing strains thrill to glad sym- 
phonies. 

Paul Grey was a youth on that fateful June 
morning, 

40 



TO PORTS BEYOND 41 

With all a youth's heart, with no well-de- 
fined plan 

For manhood's achievement, save infinite 
scorning 

Of aught that debases. The eve found a 
man 

With all a man's purposes, thoughtful, dis- 
traught. 

And fully determined that bring what they 
may, 

The years in the future should bring what he 
sought : 

Distinction, their measure of eminence, aye, 

He would climb the far heights of fame's 
temple and send 

His argosies fair to the Port of Success. 

Phantom sails drifted by, through the vistas 
that blend 

When we challenge the trophies of years as 
they pass. 

At the eventide hour a repast had been 
spread 

'Neath the sheltering maples that dotted the 
lawn. 

And later, when arrows of sunset had sped. 



42 TO PORTS BEYOND 

The tremulous stars had appeared one by 

one. 
High over the river the silver moon, creep- 
ing, 
Smiled mockingly down from her aerie above, 
While winding in silence, and tranquilly 

sweeping, 
The river sang low, and it murmured of love. 
To Paul, who sought solitude, silence, and 

thought. 
The river's low surge seemed proclaiming 

a ban 
To all the fond dreams with his memory 

fraught. 
The swish of its current seemed saying, 

''amen/' 
Eluding the crowd, he had wandered alone 
The path to the orchard, a cherished retreat. 
How the splendor of unclouded days now 

agone 
Returned as a spectre, to mock his defeat! 
A vague apprehensible something kept rising, 
That presaged an untoward fate to Eileen; 
With unquiet thoughts he had wandered, 

devising 



TO PORTS BEYOND 43 

Some tangible project — he scarce could ex- 
plain 

The stress of his feelings. He disliked McVey; 

Their first casual meeting had called forth 
his ire, 

The second had served to announce a de- 
cree: 

That henceforth in meeting, these two should 
strike fire. 

Aside from the feeling of loss in his heart, 

A greater arose, that could not be allayed; 

This distrust of Clayton he longed to impart 

To Eileen. His forethought for Eileen out- 
weighed 

All regard for himself. 

He was nearing the bower 

That o'erhung the arbor, but paused as the 
sound 

Of voices within had grown suddenly lower. 

And shrank 'neath the shadow that formed 
the background. 

The motive unstudied, with no thought of 
playing 

A listener's part, he had silently stood 

Irresolute, glooming, instinctively weighing 



44 TO PORTS BEYOND 

His chances for flight. 

With no wish to intrude. 

He had turned from the spot with the primal 
intention 

Of slipping away, when a voice from within 

Continued in converse and caused his deten- 
tion; 

The impulse overwhelming he could not 
refrain. 

The voice was McVey's, and though fervently 
scorning 

An action so culpable, Paul had remained 

To discover if Eileen was there before turn- 
ing, 

A fact he regretfully soon ascertained. 

McVey had talked on, and the night wind 
had stirred 

And wafted to Paul, but a fragment, a word, 

Of what he was saying, sufficient to prove 

The subject discussed was — alas! it was 
love. 

Swift-changing emotions within were astir, 

As he caught the light lilt of her voice, as 
Eileen 

Had softly made answer. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 45 



PAUL: 



Too late then! Tis o'er! 
And thus mine inheritance henceforth of pain, 
Has come to her own. 

Paul recoiled from the place, 
His mind still a chaos of turbulent thought, 
While the outgoing breeze strove in vain to 

efface 
The remembrance of all the incoming had 

brought. 
The faint sound of music, the dream-haunted 

hour. 
The troops of bright stars and the spell of 

the night, 
Smote harsh on his senses. Each slumbrous 

flower 
Shed fragrance proclaiming his dear dead 

delight. 
Through dim, winding paths 'mid the fair sol- 
itudes, 
Paul Grey disappeared in the June-scented 

woods. 

^0 ^g ^0 %t» •J^ m^ 



46 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Since that day fair in June, three days have 

gone by, 
Rosy morns and bland noontides, and moon- 

Hghted sky, 
And still McVey lingers. 

His pardon we'll feign, 
While we read o'er his shoulder a line to 

Phil Dane: 
^'Well, Old Boy:" (so it ran) 

''Say, Phil, lend me your ears 
And take me at once from your list 'in 

arrears!' 
On leaving the city a promise I made 
To keep you informed on events. I'm 

afraid- 
Hang it all! I well know that Fate bungles 

at times; 
I confess that the outcome of some of my 

claims 
Is, just at the present, a trifle uncertain. 
Though latest developments plainly pertain 
To an ultimate triumph. 

Old boy, I am caught. 
Eileen's the one girl in the world! There is 

naught 



TO PORTS BEYOND 47 

In 'our set' that can touch her! 

I find things so free 
From narrowing conventions at Edgewood. 

You see, 
There are jaunts on the river, and strolls by 

the shore, 
And rides o'er the hillside. But, Phil, one 

thing more — 
She's a perfect enigma; I cannot find out 
Just what the girl thinks of Yours Truly. 

I doubt 
If a chap of my rank ever entered this region; 
And yet she's as calm as though lovers were 

legion. 
I'm safe though to win; did I ever say 'die'? 
There's much to encourage. I will not deny 
Her father, the Colonel, seems rather — er — 

well. 
Rather formal, you know; but truth, Phil, 

to tell, 
I am rather obtuse; so of course not aware 
Of aught that suggests a disfavor. You 

share 
My position on this, do you not? 

I am done. 



48 TO PORTS BEYOND 

By the way! Say, that wager! Now, Phil, 

get your gun 
And take to the club room. The tenth is 

the date. 
May Angels defend us! 

'' 'So long,' Phil. 
Yours, 

Clayte." 



For surer and surer I daily grow, 
That God has made nothing beyond my reach. 
That all things are mine, if I make them so, 
By reading a truth they were meant to teach. 

Stockton 

In a day long gone by, on a fair Western 

shore, 
A handful of men — freedom's sons ever more — 
Waged a warfare with toil and privation, and 

made 
For themselves and descendants, a name. 

'Twill not fade 
While history records deeds of valor and 

daring. 
Of heroes and martyrs, not even life sparing. 
Paul Grey was a scion of warriors like these; 
He had read of their virtues, and long heard 

their praise 
From his mother, a stately Colonial Dame, 
Who had fostered ideas that came down with 

the name, 

49 



50 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Of old-fashioned courtesy, courage, true 

worth, 
And chivalrous honor, all heir-looms by 

birth. 
Handed down by that statesman of old — 

Everett, 
Renowned for his wisdom. In hist'ry youVe 

met. 
Paul's father, an Englishman many years 

dead. 
More famed for his learning and travels, 

'twas said. 
Than for any judicious amassment of wealth, 
Had cherished great plans for his son, when 

his health 
Had failed unexpectedly. 

When toward the last 
Affairs were adjusted, — no difficult task, — 
'Twas found that expenditures henceforth 

must be. 
On a rather more limited scale. Finally, 
'Twas agreed, 'mong the Greys, to abide the 

result 
Of Fortune's capricious decree (the tumult 
Of over much travel had quite lost its charm). 



TO PORTS BEYOND 51 

And establish a home on their riverside 
farm, 

An ancient, but picturesque, entailed estate 

Bequeathed by the Everetts. A fine old 
retreat; 

A structure erected in days long gone by, 

Which had suffered neglect until recently. 

When workmen had wrought an agreeable 
change. 

With Paul the young master to plan and 
arrange 

Each comfort and pleasure, for mother and 
sister; 

A trust that he ever was loth to defer. 

Young Grey's college course had perforce 
been omitted. 

But he had, in a measure, been justly re- 
quited 

By the far-reaching, widening power of books, 

Perused 'neath the trees and by whispering 
brooks. 

And thus Paul had gained by his birth and 
his rearing, 

A stable foundation, and unconstrained bear- 
ing; 



52 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Had attained what McVey had, unluckily, 

missed: 
Inclination to serve, and the zeal to persist 
In pursuit of ambition's most laudable meed, 
The substance and sum of which great men 

are made. 



PART II 



VI 



''Nay, there's a charm beyond what nature shows^ 
The bloom is softer, and more sweetly glows. 
All, now, are present, 'tis a moment's gleam 
Of former sunshine. Stay, delightful dream! " 

Again it is Summer^ again it is June, 

And time has slipped by until eight years 

have flown 
Since that bright Summer's day when at 

Edgewood we met, 
When life was athrill, and with roses beset. 
But much in their flight must they bring 

ere they wane, 
That savors of life, or else years are in vain. 
And, naturally, much do they bring us of 

change 
Insistent with progress, and things that 

estrange 
Ones thoughts from the fanciful days of the 

past, 

53 



54 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Unveiling an era of things new and vast. 
The scene too, has shifted; beneath the bright 

glow 
Of bulbs incandescent, there moves to and 

fro 
A pageant of beauty, a glittering throng 
Abounding in genius and wealth; and among 
The full tide of people but recently come, 
A man past the heydey of youth, but on 

whom 
The years have sat lightly, passed by; on his 

arm 
Was a richly dressed girl; one whose presence 

lent charm 
To this artistic concourse. 'Tis our old 

friend, McVey, 
In full evening costume, and seeming as gay 
And as suave as of yore. 

Looking closer, we see 
A look in is face that betokens ennui. 
A faithful portrayal of nature's bequest 
To one, made the sport of each fugitive gust. 
Pursuing their way through the exclusive 

throng. 
Evoking much notice, the pair passed along 



TO PORTS BEYOND 55 

And sought out the hostess. 

Dehghted was she, 
That her friend Miss Van Courtland, and 

Mr. McVey 
Had arranged to be present. Indeed, such 

a treat 
Was in store for her guests that she scarcely 

could wait 
To present her new protegee, Eileen Durant, 
The fair guest of honor; she longed to 

acquaint 
Her friends with this clever, and talented 

star 
Undimmed by the stage, and discovered 

by her; 
Who looked like a goddess, and played Hke 

a dream. 

The hostess a connoisseur — music her theme. 

Was classed as a critic of cleverness rare. 

No function more sought than this latest 

affair 
Of the Beverly Northrups, whose patronage 

gave 
An a-la-mode crest to society's wave. 



56 TO PORTS BEYOND 

McVey, at the sound of that long unheard 

name, 
Had visibly winced; she could not be the 

same, 
So he thought, that he knew in the days 

long ago — 
Those days that came back with the freshness 

of dew, 
Through the years all uncalendered, years 

spent abroad, 
Pursuing the bent of his whimsical mood. 
When last he had parted from Eileen Durant, 
His vows of devotion had not been a feint. 
The Countess of Fairfax appearing just then 
On the Western horizon, the brains of the 

men 
Had turned as by magic. 

Unresisting, McVey 
Succumbed to the glamour, and entered the 

fray. 
Through alternate seasons, through England, 

through France, 
Through the Alps, she had led him a fanciful 

dance — 
A Will-o-the-wisp, he had rightly concluded, 



TO PORTS BEYOND 57 

That sought to allure, while it always eluded. 

At times, through the mist of the vanishing 
past 

The old days returned over memory's waste, 

But were promptly effaced by the incoming 
tide; 

Mere flotsam to drift with waves far and wide. 

And Eileen! Ah, back where those happier 
hills 

Lay wrapped in the odor which Junetime 
distils. 

There lay, too, her past, wind-swept, splendor- 
dimmed. 

Groping blindly for faith, she had finally 
stemmed 

The flood-tide of shadows that threatened 
to cast 

A gloom on her life. But the shadows had 
passed. 

The heart of a woman! Ah, oft is its po- 
tion. 

To run the whole gamut of human emotion! 

Miss Durant's recitals had won an ovation, 

Had met with Smart Gotham's entire appro- 
bation. 



58 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Now when Gotham applauds, why, it goes 

without saying 
That Genius has scored a new hit. 

Eileen's playing 
Had taken the musical circles by storm. 
Spontaneous, lucid, emotional, warm. 
The blossoms of melody fell at one's feet. 
And yielded a fragrance so subtile, so sweet — 
First voilets, lilies, and then roses gleamed, 
A mosaic garden of incense it seemed. 
Redolent with harmony, glowing with light, 
Then changing to fanciful contrast, delight 
Merging into andante. Then tulips shone red. 
The tone-poet's soul shining through, it was 

said. 
Through valleys of cactus, the listener at 

times. 
Followed on through a jangle of chaotic chimes 
Staccato in movement; now the wind's fitful 

moan 
Sighed a low miserere in soft minor tone. 
Then, suddenly feeling the answering thrill. 
In touch with her hearers, she varied at will 
Into thrilling crescendo, the rare orchid's glow 
Flashing out through the final, superb allegro. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 59 

No least liquid note did the audience lose, 
No sound, not a whisper had followed the 

close 
Of this latest achievement — a silence deep 

fraught 
With something, transcending all language, 

all thought, 
And drifting afar on a limitless sea, 
The listeners, hushed to a deep phantasy. 
Continued en rapport. 

Impelled by the charm, 
McVey had pressed near to the player. A 

storm 
Of shifting emotions long pent in his breast, 
Was giving his indolent conscience a test, 
As he eagerly sought for some likeness to 

prove 
This magnetic woman the same one, whose 

love 
He had once sought and won. 

When Miss Durant arose 
With that gracious, and unrivalled air of 

repose. 
Which had cast o'er McVey in the past such 

a spell. 



60 TO PORTS BEYOND 

McVey was aware that his heart's citadel 

Had again been invaded — ah no, had been 
shattered! 

'Twas the Eileen Durant he once loved. 
Nothing mattered; 

The past should be reckoned as though it was 
not; 

No thought of his folly should swerve him, 
no thought 

Should deter him from winning this fair, 
queenly woman, 

So strangely divine, yet so charmingly hu- 
man. 

A flood, half forgotten, of memories stirred 

And escaped like a freshet; he saw and he 
heard 

The free adulation Miss Durant evoked; 

From this circle of critical friends. 

He had looked 

On the same sunny face, it had grown more 
demure; 

In the same peerless eyes with their light 
still as pure 

As the blossoms that drifted with each stray- 
ing breeze. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 61 

At Edgewood, in spring 'neath the old 
orchard trees. 

McVey, undetermined, seemed chained to 
the spot, 

As each heightened charm on his memory 
smote. 

''What a consummate fool!'' conscience clam- 
ored. ''Begin 

Restitution at once.'' Hope had whispered 
within. 

"This wonderful woman un wedded, per- 
chance, 

Has cherished some dream of that summer's 
romance. 

That has echoed far down the dim valley 
of years." 

Ignoring remorse, he had thrown off his 
fears. 

As the shallower part of his nature prevailed, 

And the versatile tendency promptly re- 
vealed. 

McVey, when the issue had once been de- 
cided. 

Had spied out the hostess, and to her con- 
fided 



62 TO PORTS BEYOND 

His eager desire to at once meet her guest. 
There were social conventions; could she 

not suggest 
Some pleasing contrivance, by which he 

could be 
Presented alone, and informally? 



MRS. NORTHRUP: 

A futile request, my dear sir, I assure you 

The masculine sex would protest. I im- 
plore you 

To bide undismayed, a more auspicious time. 

Already my romantic brain has a scheme, 

To amalgamate genius with wealth. Not 
a word! — 

With a shake of her finger — I know; I have 
heard! 

The ''afflatus divine'' has at last touched 
your heart. 

Impervious all of these years to her dart. 

This gifted young artist has genuis and 
health, 

Both splendid endowments; and you have 
the wealth. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 63 

A grand consummation! 'Tis settled, be 
gone! 

But pray take a cup of the punch or bouillon; 

To hold you in trim, for your ''Coup mil- 
itant/' 

I'm watching the very first chance to pre- 
sent 

This charming celebrity. — 

Clayton McVey, 

Through a wearisome hour of vexing delay. 

Had traversed the rooms in an unquiet state, 

Arraigning himself as the foot-ball of Fate, 

'Til the crowd had thinned out; then with 
feminine tact, 

Mrs. Beverly Northrup fulfilled her compact 

To grant him a moment with Eileen alone. 

''My dear, you're in need of a cup of bouil- 
lon," 

She had said to Miss Durant. "Your friends, 
I dare say, 

Will spare you so long. Mr. Clayton McVey 

Seeks the pleasure of seeing you waited 
upon. 

He is recently home from abroad, and has 
grown 



64 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Quite fond of the Orient/' 

Eileen had swept 
A swift searching glance from her lashes, 

and stepped 
To her place on his arm and in triumph, McVey, 
With unconcealed pleasure, had borne her 

away. 
Ah, well! To the lives of most people there 

falls 
A moment so vital, that nothing avails 
To impress on another the thoughts in the heart, 
So much as a wordless appeal. 

To impart 
To Miss Durant the state of his feelings had 

seemed 
No difficult matter. McVey scarcely dreamed 
That his sinuous, easy, and indolent grace. 
Could ever be made to appear out of place. 
Yet back through the rifts of the echoing years, 
A fleeting impression came back. There 

were fears 
In the days that were gone, that harassed 

and perplexed him. 
The same profound charm had once puzzled, 

and vexed him. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 65 

So to-night^ as he sat in the Hght of her eyes, 
And felt that his presence had caused no 

surprise, 
That only the ethical laws of convention, 
Had prompted a graceful and well-bred 

attention. 
His usual self-contained manner had left him; 
Eileen's artless, untrammeled manner bereft 

him 
Of language to voice his wild impulse to hold 
The place in her heart he had held, as of old. 
A remote cozy-corner had tempted them 

thither. 
To sip the refreshments. They mentioned 

the weather; 
He spoke of her talent; he surely had heard 
No one who surpassed her while traveling 

abroad. 
No word of the unspoken knowledge they 

shared. 
Not a sign that she ever had loved him, or 

cared 
If that love had been wantonly tossed to 

one side. 
No stifled emotion she struggled to hide. 



66 TO PORTS BEYOND 

McVey, in no mood to dissemble or ponder, 
Was thrilling with sheer admiration and 

wonder, 
As he eagerly bent, would have taken her 

hand, 
Distraught with the longing he could not 

withstand. 
To know if one spark of that love was alive. 
^'Miss Durant," he murmured, ''Eileen, — 

Oh forgive — 
Forgive all the past! Is it folly to say. 
That life has been dull, since I last turned 

away 
From the light of your love?" 

At his nearer approach. 
Miss Durant drew back, had evaded his 

touch. 
And held him aloof, with disdain in her eye. 
A look which McVey promptly sought to 

defy. 
As he warmly went on: ''Would it please 

you to know 
That Fate has dealt out to me many a blow, 
Since she first grasped the reins of my check- 
ered career, 



TO PORTS BEYOND 67 

And goaded me on? 'Tis true, Eileen, I 

swear 
Not a day, not an hour, since I last saw your 

face, 
Has Joy been a guest at my board. Ah, alas! 
And alas! That I yielded to folly and dross! 
Miss Durant! Ah, Eileen, I measure my 

loss '' 

''You — measure — your — loss! Did you meas- 
ure my tears? 

I measure my gain, by the trail of the years 

Deep buried for aye!'' With immeasurable 
scorn 

Eileen had flashed forth with a vehemence, 
born 

Of her inherent forces of nature. 

MISS DURANT: 

To say 
That a definite sense of your loss could out- 
weigh 
The blessing to me, though it came in disguise, 
Would baffle the plan Fortune sought to 
devise. 



68 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Ah no! Unto me is the past but a dream! 

An arabesque fancy I would not redeem 

From the shadowy past! 

With the lapse of the years, 

The old Love and Faith, the mirage, disap- 
pears; 

And forward I press to the beautiful hills. 

Looking out to a realm, where all promise 
fulfils. 

An unbounded realm, filled with rhythm 
and rhyme, — 

No discordant note jars the grandeur sub- 
lime; 

A fair wonderland with its treasures of art. 

The longing for which of my soul is a 
part. 

I follow the paths that the masters have 
trod. 

Leading far up the heights, to the gateway 
of God. 

No phantoms are there, which but seek to 
allure. 

But Apples of Gold, which forever endure. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 69 

MCVEY: 

Hush, Eileen! God knows I deserve this 

rebuke. 
Some ghttering Mecca misled. I mistook 
The dross for the gold. In your verdict, I 

pray 
That you'll temper your justice with mercy. 

My plea 
For forgiveness is based on the knowledge 

that you, 
Whose nature so sweetly divine, aye, so true, 
Can soften your judgments, or, mayhap 

forgive. 
And all of the old love and feeling revive. 
That love — is it pledged to another, Eileen? 

The hum of the leave-taking crowd drifted in. 
The rustle of skirts, and a faint rare perfume 
Was filling the air, and pervading the room. 

MISS DURANT: 

That love! ' Can't you see it was only a 

dream? 
How rarely things are, in real life, what they 

seem! 



70 TO PORTS BEYOND 

In youth, there are wonderful Hghts on the 

hills- 
Mere fancies, which rarely the future fulfils. 
Time ruthlessly shatters our idols — 'tis well, 
When idols are false! 

There can be no appeal. 
I loved what I only had dreamed you to be: 
Abounding in Truth and congruity. 
Fallacious assumption! The gods have been 

kind. 
And the mills that unerring, unceasingly 

grind, 
Have shorn my ideal of its semblance to 

Truth, 
An erratic structure of fanciful youth. 
Ere my life had been wrecked. 

'Tis a world-old mistake — 
This blending of unsuited lives. We thus 

take 
Our fate in our hands, e'en our souls jeopardize, 
When we blindly press forward, with un- 
seeing eyes. 
To a union unhallowed by loftiest aim. 
Where duty should govern, and Love reign 

supreme. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 71 



MCVEY: 

But, Eileen, I love you! Henceforth I will 

prove, 
With constant devotion, the depth of that 

love — 
My first love, and last! — 

Importuning, McVey 
Plead on in a vehement, rambling way. 
For the love he had lost. 

''Once you loved me, Eileen? '' 



EILEEN: 

I thought so — but vision has drifted between. 
Our natures are contrasts. While you love 

the whirl, 
I'm only an earnest and home-loving girl, 
Who loves art, and nature, and things that 

are true. 
With all of the heart of a woman; and you — 
You, Clayton, the world says, ''all paces'' 

have gone! 
Now, you offer me what? Could you hope to 

atone 



72 TO PORTS BEYOND 

For the time you have lost, opportunites 

scorned? 
Achievements that might have been yours, 

you have spurned. 
'Tis the gravest of serious problems to-day: 
This unequal standard of virtues. 

I see 
Some friends are approaching. — 

Miss Durant arose, 
Summarily bringing the talk to a close. 

MCVEY: 

One moment, Eileen! Is this final? Are 

you— 
Engaged to another? 

EILEEN : 

I am not. Tis true, 
When I find in some man all the virtues I 

dreamed 
One man could possess — my ideal redeemed — 
Perhaps — I — shall love him, provided, of 

course, 
That he wishes me to. See, 'tis time to 

disperse! — 



TO PORTS BEYOND 73 

The hostess, with others, appeared on the 
scene. 

MRS. NORTHRUP: 

Discovered, at last, and now what does this 
mean. 

Secluding yourselves in the shade of the 
palms. 

From the rest of the crowd! Has your con- 
science no qualms? 

Of your whereabouts no one could venture 
a hint. 

Our hopes had declined to the vanishing 
point. 

A pleasure in store! Mr. Clayton McVey, 

Allow me! Shake hands with Miss Sylvia 
Grey! 

A friend of Miss Dur ant's; no less so of mine. — 

The two thus presented shook hands. 

MRS. NORTHRUP: 

Will you join 
Our merry house-party, next week at Bay- 
view? 
My list, now complete since I've invited you. 



74 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Includes this young lady, and likewise her 

friend. 
Shall we look for you then at the coming 

week's end? 
Miss Durant insists, and the season is 

gay- 
Shall we count on you then? 

MCVEY: 

Mrs, Northrup, you may. 



VI. 

*^Wov n of music and moonlight, 
Tinted of star-fire and dusk, 
Dashed with the red wine of morning, 
Scented of roses and musk. 
Petaled of pain and of pleasure. 
Nurtured of kisses and tears. 
Fragile the dream-flower of love is — 
Fragile, and fades with the years." 

At Bay view the guests had begun to arrive; 
With bustle and flurry, the place was alive. 
In tally-hos, autos, and tandem they came. 
The trolley-cars poured out a jovial stream, 
Of well-groomed, desirable people who sought 
To ensnare the gay Goddess of Pleasure. 

A yacht 
Here and there lay at rest on the dimpling 

bay. 
Awaiting the signal to up and away. 
Mrs. Beverly Northrup, as hostess, perforce 
Acknowledged no equal; her every resource 
Was employed for the pleasure of those 

whom she'd planned 

75 



76 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Should meet at her party. Twas said she'd 

attained 
The art of producing effective results, 
In combining harmonious people. Revolts 
Had been few and obscure. Each function, 

it seemed, 
But furnished new scope for her powers; 

she beamed 
On all new arrivals, dispensing to each 
A rare hospitality. Many a match, 
Rumor said, had been planned at romantic 

Bayview; 
Though none of the guests had this motive in 

view. 
Incidentally, during the short interim. 
That suffices to put the young people in trim, 
Or, as Dunbar suggested, ''Get on their 

war paint.'' 
With some of the guests 'twill be well to 

acquaint 
The reader, who properly claims as his due 
The right to be told in the start, who is who. 
For instance, there's Dunbar, the old Rob 

of yore. 
Yet palpably different; teeming with lore. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 77 

A jumble of politics, science and art, 

And of every notable function a part. 

A rising young lawyer whose friends acquiesce, 

Can say the right thing in exactly its place. 

Ideally jovial, 'tis needless to say 

Society sought him and gave him entree. 

Where multitudes scrambled to enter. 

Moreover, 

At present, 'twas plain to the casual ob- 
server, 

That Dunbar was playing the ''heavy de- 
voted''— 

Now, Dunbar himself, be it known, is here 
quoted, 

But not, understand, in this present relation — 

To Sylvia Grey. 

''A distinct acquisition. 

Comprehensively speaking," the hostess con- 
fided. 

To Dunbar, who'd long since the same thing 
decided. 

There's a modern tradition concerning the 

wheel 
Which Fortune manipulates; years but reveal 



78 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Its manifold veerings. To you^ at the top: 
The next revolution may bring you the drop. 
To you at the base: Keep a stiff upper- 
lip, 
Keep in line, and stand fast, nor diminish 

your grip. 
For with favoring winds, over sunlighted 

seas, 
There's ever the promised Hesperides. 
The favoring winds in their shifting had 

brought. 
An English estate to the Greys. It had 

wrought 
A change in their place of abode. ''The 

Retreat'' 
Now served at odd times as a fine country 

seat 
For the Greys and their friends from the 

city. 

Miss Grey 
Had finished abroad, the conventional way, 
In all the fine arts, with a rare gift of tongues, 
And nothing neglected that fitly belongs 
To the finishing process. To Paul, changeful 

time 



TO PORTS BEYOND 79 

Had brought him the means to successfully 

climb 
To the goal of distinction. Persistently, — 

nay, 
Relentlessly, delving and pressing his way. 
Since Fortune had frowned on his young 

heart's desire, 
Ambition had beckoned him higher and 

higher. 
Thrice welcome the lordly estate which had 

brought 
The means to promote the career that he 

sought. 
And though young in years, he had won for 

himself 
A name to be prized above holdings or pelf. 
His one early love had been put to one side — 
A thing set apart. He had worked, and 

denied 
To himself social pleasures; instead, he 

had found 
Enjoyment in seeking those things which 

abound 
In the quest after knowledge. Five years 

spent abroad 



80 TO PORTS BEYOND 

He reckoned as only a mere episode 
To further advance his insatiate desire 
For attainment in abysmal science. 

Acquire 
Prodigious results, what you will, what you 

may, 
The time must arrive when a mental survey, 
A frank psychological scanning of self. 
Calls an answering halt. 

What a subtle young elf. 
Is that offspring of Venus, Dan Cupid! 

While reading 
A letter signed ''Sylvy,'' in which she was 

pleading 
A prompt blotting out of all business relation, 
And urging the need of complete recreation, 
Paul paused at the post-script, and read it 

three times. 
Beginning, it ran: ''It is one of my whims 
Not to tell, brother mine, but just guess, 

if you can. 
Who is here at Bayview. No, now — not 

a mere man! 
But the dearest and sweetest of girls. Don't 

be stupid. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 81 

But pack your 'effects' and run down! " 

Was it Cupid 

That swayed him, now think you? Be that 
as it may, 

Mrs. Northrup had added a Hne just to say 

How ''distressed" she had been to receive 
his regrets, 

And wound up by making the direst of 
threats. 

Should he fail to respond to this last invita- 
tion. 

Perhaps 'twas the thought of his real obliga- 
tion. 

But candor compels one the fact to impart, 

Paul, having resolved, made all haste to 
depart. 



VII. 

'*For something is, or something seems, 
Like visions of forgotten dreams." 

Etched sharply against a wide expanse of sea 
Stood picturesque Bayview. 

Twas an hour until tea; 
So a man in brass buttons confided to Paul, 
Who arrived three days late. At this hour 

nearly all 
Of the feminine faction had taken their flight, 
To keep an appointment, made some time 

last night, 
With the selfish old sandman. 

'Twas a radiant array. 
That graced the verandas at five o'clock tea: 
An old English custom somewhat out of date. 
But one that had served to at once dissipate 
All formal constraint. There were gay little 

groups. 
That sat at small tables and toyed with their 

cups. 
As Paul, clad in raiment as fresh as the morn 

82 



TO PORTS BEYOND 83 

Appeared with the hostess. No hint had 

been borne 
To the ears of Miss Durant that Paul was 

expected. 
That each be surprised was as Sylvia elected. 
With a vast spread of shoulder^ full five feet 

and ten, 
Paul Grey stood, an athlete, a man among 

men. 
A faint, little feminine buzz of surprise 
Had run down the line, as all feminine eyes 
Had lingered on Paul, and evinced their 

approval 
Of this most distinguished and newest arrival. 

That Clayton McVey was included a guest, 
Had taken from Eileen Durant much the 

zest 
Of her stay at Bayview. Disregarding the 

fact 
Of his recent decisive rebuff, he had staked 
His last throw on the hope that perchance 

he'd awaken 
Some lingering spark of her love. How 

mistaken 



84 TO PORTS BEYOND 

He was in her nature! His own narrow 

vision 
Had clouded that sense which we call in- 
tuition. 
That the commonplace courtesies Eileen 

had shown 
Were owed to her hostess, McVey might 

have known. 
But his was a nature that champed at its bits 
(A thing in itself which all purpose defeats), 
With a tendency ever to follow the course 
Presenting the slightest resistance. 

A source 
Of varied ordeal his attentions had been 
With his air of proprietorship to Eileen, 
Since their meeting at Bayview. 

When Paul Grey appeared 
At a signal from Dunbar, the company 

cheered. 
A master at all ceremonies, Dunbar 
Had been dubbed an ^^M. C'— Twas a 

terse metaphor. 
For Paul 'twas a sudden, complex situation. 
Receiving from strangers so free an ovation. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 85 

But Dunbar had rushed to his rescue at once, 
Dramatic'ly making all haste to announce: 
''Our young English lord, ladies — Sir Paul 

de Grey! 
Who recklessly tosses his title away, 
And craves the distinction of being just 

classed 
A plain young American! An enthusiast, 
You'll find him, on subjects pertaining to 

lore 
Regarding his chosen profession. No more 

Of his idiosyncrasies will I disclose '' 

Just here Dunbar dodged a swift blow on the 

nose 
From PauFs handkerchief, knotted and rolled 

in a ball. 
''The same irrepressible Dunbar! " chid Paul^ 
As they heartily greeted each other. 

DUNBAR: 

This way. 
You'll find "reserved seats," and — Hello! 

here's McVey 
And the very young ladies Fve sought for an 

hour. 



86 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Gadzooks, man! acquaint us, by what canny 

power 
You accomplish the feat of successfully keeping 
Two ladies awake, when they should have 

been sleeping. 

Paul greeted his sister, shook hands with 

McVey 
In a sort of unseeing, perfunctory way. 
Then ensued a brief pause, with the silence 

unbroken. 
His eyes had met Eileen's. For a moment 

no token 
Had either evinced of the tumult within — 
(Here Rob, the persistent, had let fall a pin) 
Eileen, in a flash of responsive perception. 
Had felt in the depths of her soul the incep- 
tion 
Of a swift, silent fellowship. Paul, with 

one stride. 
Had measured the distance and stood by 

her side. 
*^ Eileen!'' Paul had murmured, ''this is a 

surprise 
As well as a pleasure!" His deep, fearless eyes 



TO PORTS BEYOND 87 

Were searching her face, as he held fast her 
hand. 

' 'It all must have happened as Sylvia planned ; 
The surprise is complete. I am real glad 

you came!'' 
Eileen answered simply. A bright, little 

flame 
Of obdurate color had flashed to her face, 
But as quickly receded; a faint tiny trace 
Had lingered a moment, and tinted her cheek, 
Revealing in contrast the snowy white neck. 
All crowned by a halo of dusky brown hair. 
Rippling up into high-lights. 

Paul, keenly aware 
Of the play of emotion that swept o'er her 

face. 
Forgot for the moment the time and the 

place. 
As the blossoms of memory burst into flower. 
And carried him back to the place and the 

hour 
When Fate had been kind, and allowed him 

to save 
This dearest of girls from a watery grave. 



88 TO PORTS BEYOND 

What a tempest of joy the reflection had 

brought! 
When suddenly Paul had grown cold at the 

thought 
That Eileen, warm of impulse, would nat- 
urally, 
Feel grateful toward him, and really be 
Delighted to once again meet an old friend. 
Then — Clayton McVey! Did his presence 

portend 
A renewal of old-time relations with her? 
Such things, he reflected, were wont to occur. 
So much had befallen since these two had 

met. 
It seemed as though ages had vanished; and 

yet— 
Save a more profound charm, and a bearing 

less free, 
Paul had almost imagined it yesterday. 
Miss Grey had enjoyed the success of her 

plot. 
She also had fancied that Clayton had not. 
The party found seats, and was soon served 

with tea. 
Paul sat by Eileen, with McVey vis-k-vis. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 89 

Dunbar, vaguely conscious of growing con- 
straint, 

To his merriest mood had at once given 
vent; 

He told of the numberless projects in view 

For their further diversion. So, jollity flew 

With a zeal quite infectious. 

This meeting had been 

The means of revealing in full to Eileen 

The study in contrasts these two men pre- 
sented; 

A thing which the glamour of youth had pre- 
vented. 

One, crowned with the glory of highest 
achievement, 

The other, intent on some longed-for re- 
trie vement. 

With quickening vision Eileen saw it all. 

The time had arrived when her heart turned 
to Paul. 

Mrs. Beverly Northrup was fully aware 

That young English lords at Bayview had 
been rare; 

And had lost no occasion to plan, as she 
thought. 



90 TO PORTS BEYOND 

For his consummate pleasure. To Paul there 

was naught 
That gave so much comfort as just being left 
To his own predilection. True, Dunbar had 

chaffed 
At his unwonted precepts; for clever insight, 
And keen penetration, Dunbar had been 

right. 

The days full of mirth flitted by at Bayview, 
Days burnished with sunshine. Paul met 

with but few 
Auspicious occasions to talk with Eileen, 
Aside from the multitude. Always some 

''plan'' 
Of the vigilant hostess intruding itself; 
A sail on the bay, or a tournure at golf — 
A motoring jaunt, or a chase with the hounds. 
Paul followed the seemingly limitless rounds 
Accompanied — according to prearranged 

plans — 
By a niece of the hostess. Miss Olive Rosecrans 
McVey, with the hostess as ally, contrived 
To appropriate Eileen. Paul Grey had per- 
ceived 



TO PORTS BEYOND 91 

His Open devotion, and hopelessly felt 
That Fate, stern iconoclast, this time had 

dealt 
A weightier blow, could the grievance be 

measured. 
Than the one he had borne as a boy. He had 

treasured 
A vision of Her, in her fair girlish graces, 
Enshrined in a nook of his heart's secret 

places. 
But now — in the zenith of full womanhood, 
With her peerless attraction, and sweet 

quietude, 
Paul knew that the earlier vision had paled 
In this sunburst of perfect fruition. He 

quailed 
At the realization of all that had been, 
Was now, and might still in his life inter- 
vene. 
To blight his fair dreams of the future. 

Dunbar 
Had teasingly ventured one day to infer, 
That the niece of the hostess had ' ' scored 

quite a hit.'' 
''Your Excellence — wouldn't you better admit 



92 TO PORTS BEYOND 

That life, since your advent down here at 

Bayview, 
Has taken on more of a roseate hue?" 
''Nay, Rob/' Paul had answered in hasty 

disclaimer, 
''A certain young lady, I scruple to name her, 
Has recently made me her father confessor, 
Held a 'conseiF d'etat,' so to speak, heaven 

bless her ! 
Which leads me at once to conclude it is 

you 
Who are wearing the glasses of roseate hue!'' 
With characteristic and simple directness, 
The two had grasped hands. 

DUNBAR: 

Well, old fellow, I guess 
You've got me down right; there's a halo, 

it seems. 
Encircling the spirit of all my of dreams. 
The lady in question, — her peer there is none! 
Her equal is not at Bayview — 



PAUL: 



Hold, save one! 



TO PORTS BEYOND 93 

DUNBAR: 

Another confession! Miss Rosecrans? 

PAUL: 

Mere cant! 
'Her equal?' No other than Eileen Durant. 

DUNBAR: 

Eileen ! I had thought that a thing of the past ! 

PAUL: 

So it was, 'til we met here; but love, Rob, 

will last. 
'Tis a habit it has — pity 'tis, that 'tis true! 

DUNBAR: 

Now, Paul, I've a notion that Eileen likes 
you! 

PAUL: 

'Tikes!" yes, I've no doubt; there's the 

deuce of it, man! 
She holds me to-day where our friendship 

began: 
About like a brother! That coxcomb McVey 



94 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Was never half worthy. Say, Rob, by the 

way, 
What happened between them when Clayte 

went abroad? 

DUNBAR: 

The Lord knows! I never have quite under- 
stood. 

But one thing I know, it's as plain as your 
nose, 

McVey's getting desperate! See here, Paul, 
suppose 

I appoint a committee to see this thing through; 

And suppose once again, that committee is 
you! 

PAUL: 

Appointment approved of, loquacious ^'M. C." 
'Tis only the great men who fail to agree. 
But show me. Your Honor, just half of a 

chance 
That a fellow could find. Td suggest in 

advance, 
That you change your new title of merely 

M. C, 
To Dunbar the Diplomat. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 95 

DUNBAR: 

Just leave that to me! 
There are schemers and schemers. Just 

open your eyes 
To every advantage. We're sure to devise 
Some deeply and darkly laid plans of our 

own, 
Whereby you, at least, can see Eileen alone! 
For surely, a man may find out ' 'where 

he's at,''— 
And still be a man, for "a' that and a' that!" 

To Sylvia Rob had unravelled a few 
Of his ''deeply laid projects." 

Eileen scarcely knew 
Just how it had happened. There were 

moments when she 
Had wistfully, ardently, longed so to be 
All alone with her music. On the eve of the 

day 
Rob purposed intrigue, she had stolen away 
To the now quiet music room; happily, she 
Had found it deserted. 'Twas a low reverie 
She had chosen to play — an original thing — 



96 TO PORTS BEYOND 

'Twas a song without words, An Awaken- 
ing, 

It might have been called. In its varying 
mood 

It rambled on feelingly, ever subdued. 

So lost to all consciousness Eileen had been, 

That Paul Grey had entered, and now stood 
unseen 

Near some shadowy palms. As the player 
went on. 

From Paul every other impression had flown, 

Save a rapt comprehension of tender de- 
light 

Transporting him on to an infinite height. 

Familiar with music, for Sylvia played, 

Paul sought to discern the composer; he 
strayed 

From Chopin to Beethoven. A blending, 
it seemed, 

Of the Spring Song and Berceuse — a Thesis 
that teemed 

With a rare, irrepressible, rapturous flow 

Of musical language. Paul, fairly aglow 

With a new inspiration, had slipped to her 
side: 



TO PORTS BEYOND 97 



(( 



Don't stop!'' he had urged, as her eyes 
opened wide 
At his sudden appearance. 

MISS DURANT: 

How you startled me, Paul! 
How long have you been here? 

PAUL: 

I heard nearly all 
Of that exquisite symphony. 

MISS DURANT: 

You love music, then? 

PAUL: 

That doesn't express it! 

MISS DURANT: 

There are not many men 
Who admit a real fondness for music. 

PAUL: 

The man who dislikes it, I think, is a freak ! 
With Shakespeare, I think that his Spirit 
is dull — 



98 TO PORTS BEYOND 

His affection as dark as Erebus — his soul, 
Fit subject for treason and spoils! 

MISS DURANT: 

I agree — 
I never could trust such a man. — 

With dismay, 
Paul discovered Miss Rosecrans approaching; 

before 
She made known her errand, Rob stood in 
the door. 

DUNBAR: 

They're off now, Miss Olive, and calling for us. 
McVey says he calls it a kind of a muss — 
This letting the ladies for once have their say 
In selecting their escorts. But surely McVey 
Has no cause to object, for just look who 
chose him? 

MISS ROSECRANS: 

Who was it? 

DUNBAR: 

Miss Grey. I am full to the brim 
Of the '^green-eyed old monster''; however, 
there are 



TO PORTS BEYOND 99 

Other fish in the sea, and — Hello, Paul! I hear 
That Miss Durant takes you! 

MISS ROSECRANS: 

Then, Mr. M. C, 
I see very plainly, they've left you for me! 

DUNBAR: 

I like that! it savors of Life, ''Doncher 

know!'' 
To be ''left" by one girl for another, ''Bah 

Joe!" 

A throng now trooped in, hunting Paul and 

Eileen, 
Who wondered what all this confusion might 

mean. 
But Dunbar, as usual, made haste to make 

known 
That a stroll on the shore, by the light of the 

moon. 
Was the latest diversion. Paul Grey thought 

he knew 
The sly instigator, and clutched at his cue, 
With a grim desperation. Aside, to Eileen 



100 TO PORTS BEYOND 

He had said: ''Ladies' choice! shall I see 

you again? " 
As quick as a flash, down the current of time. 
Came a question of Paul's which had meant 

much the same 
In the old days. It seemed she could still 

hear him saying: 
''And he's coming to-day — and I'll shortly 

be paying 
My hasty adieux! Or would you face the foe, 
Which shall it be, Eileen, you'll tell me, I 

know?" 
Eileen, while she knew she had once held his 

love, 
Had often, in thought, tried to test or disprove 
The rumor that he and Miss Rosecrans 

might be 
Something more than mere friends. 

Now, this last novelty, — 
Rob had said that his sister had chosen 

McVey, 
Then he and Miss Rosecrans had faded away. 
And Paul was awaiting an answer. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 101 

PAUL: 

It seems 
They have left you no choice in this matter; 

Rob dreams 
He's the end of the law! 

MISS DURANT: 

Rob knew Td enjoy 
A stroll with you, Paul. He's the dearest 

old boy! 
Of course, he surmised I would rather take 

you — 

PAUL: 

Rob jumps at conclusions; perhaps that's 
not true? 

MISS DURANT: 

And, perhaps, — if conditions had different 

been — 
There's someone — you'd — rather— — 

PAUL: 

There's no one, Eileen, — 
No being with whom, had I been free to 
choose. 



102 TO PORTS BEYOND 

I would rather have gone; hitherto 'twas 

no use 
To do aught save to wistfully watch for a 

chance 

MISS DURANT: 

You, — Paul? have you, too felt this close 
surveillance? 

PAUL: 

'Teltit/' Eileen- 
Paul gently had reached for her hand. 
And placed it within his arm. ''Come, this 

is grand, 
This hour of the twilight!— 



}} 



The first silver star. 
In its pale tranquil luster had blossomed 

afar. 
A skirmishing breeze had sprung up from the 

bay. 
To follow a fervid and languorous day. 
Above the vague rim of the dim horizon. 
Fair Luna, full-orbed, had just mounted her 

throne. 
A flock of late home-going birds flitted by. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 103 

Silhouetted against the fast-purpling sky, 
The trees, faintly limbed, as brave sentinels 

stood — 
Hodden gray in the twilight. 

In happiest mood, 
Paul and Eileen, like children, as children 

as free. 
Passed out through the eventide, on toward 

the sea. 



VIII. 

Then love released a thousand springs, 
The joys of sweet remembered things. 
Singing, the river went. The vales 
Forgot the ice-keen winter gales, 
The meadow had a vision blest, 
And dreamed of daisies on its breast. 

Stanton 

The critics, dear reader, will say I am through. 
The question, I leave it entirely to you 
As to whether or not further interest wanes 
In Paul and Eileen. Yet the fact still re- 
mains, 
That while all the world loves a lover,— 'Tis 

true 
Most people prefer they get married, — don't 

you? 
The program thereafter was altered, somewhat, 
'Mong the young folks at Bayview. The 

hostess had thought 
It a hasty arrangement; was duly surprised 
That these two, whom she'd obviously lionized 

104 



TO PORTS BEYOND 105 

Should contrive, on short notice, to promptly 

announce 
To their friends their engagement. My lady, 

for once, 
Had been cleverly foiled, and most clearly 

outwitted, 
Though she never acknowledged to being 

defeated. 
With well-founded wisdom, she revised her 

plans. 
Directing her wits toward her niece. Miss 

Rosecrans, 
Who, having sustained a new set of sensations 
In view of ''those horrid old late revelations,'' 
Had tried to console, in a measure, McVey, 
Who still, in some vague and intangible 

way. 
Was doing his best to at least figure out. 
How all of this ''flim-flam and muss'' came 

about. 
Despite the annoyance the matter incurred. 
And, however greatly she may have preferred 
To have had affairs different, let it be said 
Mrs. Northrup had always most carefully 

weighed 



106 TO PORTS BEYOND 

The law which produces both cause and effect. 
Through no visible sign, might one ever suspect 
That the wheels of convention had scrupled 

to move, 
For a season, along the conventional groove. 
Her maxim had been, to a steadfast degree, 
''One should aim at the moon, though one 

hits but a tree." 
Fate plays some strange pranks with the 

world! 

In the main 
The ''slings of an outrageous fortune?" had 

been 
Very gracefully met. She had ever essayed 
To follow the trend, which with ease could 

be made 
To serve her best purpose. Inexpressibly 

dear 
To her heart was a new innovation, and here 
Was a rare opportunity. When at Bayview 
The season had drawn to a close hitherto. 
There had been at least one new announce- 
ment. 

With glee. 
She discovered the possible sequence of three. 



TO PORTS BEYOND 107 

With consummate skill she had planned the 
affair, 

Which took place in the city. Such func- 
tions were rare 

Where three most momentous and leading 
events 

Were announced at one time. 

Now, the reader, perchance, 

Has long since surmised whom the three 
couples were: 

Paul and Eileen, of course, and Miss Grey 
and Dunbar, 

And the other, — ^To Clayton McVey, it had 
seemed 

But the prescience of fate; all his life he had 
blamed 

Some : caviling fate for the failures which 
he 

Might himself have averted. This adverse 
decree. 

When the first shock was over, he thought- 
fully faced. 

With care every step of the past he retraced 

And discreetly resolved there were duties 
which one 



108 TO PORTS BEYOND 

Fully owed to himself, nor should too 

long postpone. 
In the light of these facts, when Miss Rose- 

crans had sought 
To dispel his depression, he forthwith had 

caught 
Her spirit of hopefulness. Later, when she 
Had referred to the other engagements, 

McVey 
At once had suggested they two make the 

third. 
Miss Rosecrans, it seemed, had for some time 

abhorred 
The thought of a tedious engagement. And 

so. 
Right merrily rang the bells. 

Without much ado, 
Paul and Eileen had quietly wedded. They 

chose 
For their honeymoon trip — now where would 

one suppose? 
To their castle in England? No, they had 

deferred 
That trip for the future. Few would have 

preferred 



TO PORTS BEYOND 109 

A commonplace trip to the country, and yet, 
Straightway they had journeyed toward The 

Retreat, 
And charming old Edgewood. 

Here then, 'mid those scenes 
Which the heart ever cherishes, ever retains, 
We leave them; where Nature her smile 

e'er reveals. 
With love at the helm, 'mid the peace of 

wide fields. 



FINIS. 



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